News

Canucks News

Ask A Player - Alex Auld

Q: What has been the best experience since you've been drafted to the NHL? (Allyssa Alano)

Playing in the play-offs a couple of years ago against Calgary was definitely a highlight. Winning in triple overtime, and getting to play game seven at home were pretty special moments.

Q: How do you keep yourself focused after a puck gets passed you? (Rob, New West, Van, B.C.)

You just have to move on and put it behind you. You can't expect a shut-out every night, so I just move on and let it roll off my back.

Q: Does your routine before a game change when you're a starting goalie rather then a back up? (Nigel, Victoria B.C.)

Yes, both mentally and physically it is a little different. When I'm back-up, I don't warm up quite as much and in the same way and mentally I don't think about the game as much. A full warm up is a lot to do at all time, especially if you're not playing. It's just a different mind set when you're a back-up.

Q: Do you have any good luck rituals that you do before games and if so, what are they? (Audrey Ng)

Not really, I've got a few habits like getting dressed in the same order and I usually go to sleep around the same time the night before a game. I don't really have any superstitions.

Q: Who is the hardest player you have faced in a breakaway in the NHL? (Kris)

I think one of the toughest guys I've had to play against would have to be Iginla. He scored on me in game seven, and overall he's a really dominant player.

Q: Do you feel that being a bigger goaltender gives you an advantage over smaller goaltenders because of the rule changes affecting the ability of the defence to clear the front of the net and allow more forwards to crash the crease? (Al Burdon)

I think so, as long as you can still move. My mobility is something I've really worked hard on, because if you're big and you can move it's definitely an advantage. Now, with guys coming to the net more, the bigger you are, the more resilient you are to getting hit or bumped.

Q: Do you see Cloutier's concussion as an opportunity to solidify yourself as a member on this team, and possibly create a controversy for the full time starting job? (Paul Wood, Pense, Sask)

No, I see the situation as an opportunity to play and that's it. It's an opportunity to help the team out, and that is what's important.

Q:As a former Moose player, would you consider Winnipeg a suitable city for an NHL franchise? Taking into consideration the new MTS center, and all the records we broke last year for the AHL playoffs. (Peter)

I think they have a beautiful new facility there and a franchise is definitely possible sometime down the road. They've got the rink for it, and fans that really enjoy hockey, so someday we might see it happen.

Q: Growing up, who did you look up to for inspiration?

I think like everyone, my parents have influenced me the most. As far as athletes go, I'd have to say Wayne Gretzky. I was also very fortunate, because I got the chance to watch a lot of good goalies like Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, and guys like Curtis Joseph and Dominik Hasek. I grew up during a golden age of goaltending, so I was pretty lucky.

Q: If you weren't a hockey player, what would you be doing?

I would probably be an architect or work in construction. I really like working on my cottage and doing home improvements. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and working hands on.